A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall Home for the Holidays Has anyone......

........started Christmas shopping at all yet? Or am I totally alone?

I counted up my list the other day and now I'm up to 182 presents.

It IS September afterall.......only 4 months to go.

I tell you something now though, even if you don't go crazy like I do it's great to start this early.....then you don't have as much money to spend later or as much worrying.

BTW, the first Black Friday ad was released on the net the other day. Ace Hardware....still, it's better than nothing, and it's way early.

only you loz

I saw Halloween items creeping onto the shelves this week.

They've been on the shelves at my store for a few weeks already.

And yep Jiffy, I guess only me?

You're a BRAT!

BUT............you know how I am........I get this way EVERY single year.

Brat or not, you love me anyway right?

Yeah... I still love you

Awwwwwwwww....... :ding:

I can't help it...I'm an 11 year old trapped in a 32 year old body. I get too excited this time of year.....I just love to give. (and give, and give, and give, and give, and give.) If I had to pick between getting stuff and giving stuff it would be giving every time.

Dad keeps saying, oh people won't be buying as much this year because of the economy.....and I was like...well I will be. Just gotta know how to shop and start way early.

I should have known you would have that many presents already!! I have a few but have not done too much Christmas shopping yet. I had to get school shopping out of the way first!

I usually start in Oct and nov, way before thanksgiving. I hate the crowds

You know me Jess. Mom says I'm just like my Nana. She loves to shop and to give too! :wink: I must get it from her.

I just don't limit myself to shopping certain months, if I see something in March that speaks to me for someone and it's on sale I'll buy it and put it back in my present closet.

I just ordered 3 things today. One for Bill and 2 for Cindy.

And yesterday I placed an order in Cabela's bargain cave for Mark. They have some good deals in there.

Belinda....I hate crowds too....I think that's another reason I like to shop early. Then when I see all of those panicked people out the week before Christmas I can just relax knowing mine are all bought and wrapped.

I started wrapping the other day. Takes a long time to do that much, so I do a few a day. Although I'm really waiting for the printed gift boxes to come out. Someone asked me a while back if I get the boxes in the store, but usually they don't have them when I shop, since I shop so early.

I sent you an e-mail Loz!

You started wrapping already? I wait till the last minute to do that!

Well, I have to ya know? When you get near the 200 present mark I'd be wrapping myself to death if I waited too long.

Plus as Christmas draws closer I have to help mom wrap all of her presents, all but my own of course...I draw the line somewhere.

Going to check my email.

I start in July, usually the weekend after my birthday, and i try to get a couple gifts each week. by thanksgiving i should be done and wrapped. then i can just concentrate on decorating the house. cuz i am way into that. it evolves and morphs until christmas eve sometimes and there's a fairsize box of decorations to donate to the shelters by mid december. things i got that i am tired of or that didn't really work in as i wanted and i always make a brand new arrangement on the dining table. one year i decorated the ceiling fan above the dining table with white pointsettias, white and green mini lights and red chilis hanging down, sounds bizarre, but it was really cool, cuz we were having an open house christmas party that year and the "arrangement" was there, but up out of the way of the food spread on the table, which was, yep, southwest cuisine. homemade tamales and everything. oh yum, now i am making myself hongry
LOL

Loz, I LOVE Ace Hardware. Hardware stores have great stuff and Ace usually has some of the best.

I haven't bought anything yet but I've been thinking about it for a couple of months. I too love Christmas. We bought a new stereo system last week because as Johnny said "Sheri needs to be able to listen to her Christmas music."

AND!!!!!! This year I will be off work 2 weeks around Christmas.

well they are putting out Christmas stuff already here in the stores.

Still not in the mood yet to even think about shopping yet..but soon.

I went to my nursery yesterday and the entire front half inside is all decorated Christmas trees..... ridicules,, as that's where all the houseplants were sold,,,,,,, there aren't any house plants in that entire nursery now,, what are they thinking??

anyway,, won't be a Christmas here this year, no point in shopping . Nice that people still can have family at christmas, cherish it always.

Oh Diane. Please celebrate Christmas and hanukkah here with all of us. We love you.

Diane, I hate that you feel that way.....but I know where you're coming from. My wish is for you to have your family at Christmas. :ding:

Maybe this would be a good year to do something special. Like volunteering for Toys for Tots. That's always a feel good thing to do.

I know I asked about shopping, but you know--I just like to shop and give....but I never forget the real reason for Christmas.....first and foremost that's what I am really celebrating. Not gifts, and food, and stuff.......I just hate for people to think I'm only about stuff like that.

Loz, while I will never even attempt to claim to be anywhere near as good as you--i too begin christmas shopping early. Partly so I too can give all that I would like and partly so I can figure what to give. We draw names in my family--anyone married or out of college is included in it. all else are considered children and they get gifts from every one. ON Rod's side we all just buy for my MIL.

And since i love to give---my kids and their spouses are considered 'children' in my house---I buy gifts (so I can see them open them) and then give a check. They are either here christmas morning, OR I am with them.

((Just today Emily was sitting on my couch 'marking' up a mail order catalog, just like a little kid.--I was loving it.))

at this time I only have a large clear plastic container with say 10-15 small gifts in it.--

However, The internet and the catalogs are going to be my friend this year.

When mom is gone I do a LOT of my internet shopping. It becomes my "mom substitute".

This week alone I'm waiting on oh.....7-8 shipments. You have a good start going though, that's all it takes is a start.

It's so nice that you are the way you are with your children. Some of us children never grow up, no matter how old we are. I know I get like a 10 year old on Christmas morning. It always feels so magical.

Btw, I'm glad you are posting a bit more now.

OMG, I went to the Dollar General tonight and was confronted with an aisle of Christmas stuff---right next to the clearance garden stuff. SAD!!!!!!!! I hate seeing the garden stuff go.......and it's just too early for Christmas stuff yet.

Got 7 movies for my Dad the other day....ordered them online from FYE. Spent $27 on them. They had 20 percent off and free shipping.

Got him Hostel, Unbreakable, Air Speed, The Sentinel, The 6th Day, Final Destination 3, and Under Suspicion.

Not bad for what I paid I thought. Just less than $4 each.

Now I'm waiting on 4 mp3 players to come.

And 3 blah, blah blahs......one for Bill. And a blah blah for Cindy, and a blankety blank for Cindy.

I I have a Cabela's shipment coming for Mark.

that's what we keep saying but you just keep on shopping anyway

Loz, I like to give presents too. It's so much fun to surprise someone or see the expression on someones face. I think that's the spirit of Christmas.

Ya, you should see the expression on my face when I give myself a big box of 'Turtles' chocolates Christmas morning

I LOVE turtles.

Do you know what we do? Well not mom, she thinks we're nuts. It started with Dad....then I started, then Mark followed...Last year my sister joined in for the first time. She always used to laugh at us, so I was tickled she joined in.

We buy ourselves a present and wrap it. To you, from you. Dad cracks me up because he honestly forgets what he bought for himself most years....so it's always a mystery.

Cabela's shipment is out for delivery! Mp3 players have shipped.

You know Sheri.....that is what I like the most....I'm not trying to look showy by buying a lot...I just honestly love to make people happy. I know last year mom told me how much she loved everything I bought her a zillion times. That is what I love. That she loved all the stuff. I put a lot of thought into most of the things I buy.....

I make lists of ideas of presents so I'm not just randomly grabbing things.

This year I think I'm going to ask Mark for one of the keyboards I saw on HSN or QVC....it has light up keys that teach you to play...and you can download new songs to it....I've ALWAYS wanted to learn how to play the piano.

That would be cool Loz! I always wanted to learn too!!

I think I should start getting myself a Christmas present too! James always gets me good gifts but every year I tell him something I want...most of the time it is just something small....and he will go out and buy expensive jewelry and whatever else but he never gets me the small thing I asked for. Then I will bring it up later and he will say....you never told me you wanted that! It drives me crazy! Also...we all have stockings at our house. I fill all the stockings but my own. I figure James can do that but he never does. Last year Tristen said....I guess Santa thought you were bad mom because he didn't put anything in your stocking. I gave James the dirtiest look you will ever see. I guess I have to fill my own!

Oh yeah...our Wii is out for delivery today Loz! I can't wait to try it out!

I wish I were there trying it out with you.

Yeah usually I buy myself something small. One year it was just a candle. Last year it was a Jeff Gordon coffeepot I found on Boscovs for $5!

This year I'm going to make everyone a stocking and fill it with stuff from the Dollar Tree.....just little things.... I sure hope someone fills my stocking. Hopefully James fills yours this year......maybe he learned his lesson?

Mark always wants me to give him a list...so I do....I put as much stuff on it as I can think of, that way I don't know what he'll get. And he actually buys stuff not on the list and does a pretty good job at it.

Marks mom has me tell her stuff I want from the Black Friday papers. I love that! Because I get stuff I really want. Last year she got me a deep fryer I wanted and a DVD player for our bedroom and a few other things. She always spoils us too much.

Jessica, fill your own stocking this year and leave James's empty

That is what I told him I was going to do Tam! He thought it was funny but I didn't! Tristen really believed that there was a reason Santa didn't put anything in my stocking! I wanted to say....no it's that your dad is too dumb to do it! Of course I wouldn't say that but I wanted to! The thing is that they hang there all season and I talk about having to get stocking stuffers but I guess nothing still clicks in his brain when I say that!

Yeah. Leave it empty. I dare ya!

I should! I really might do that!!

You should have just emptied James wallet in it later that day and said look Tristen, Santa hid money in the toe of it for me

Kids notice everything.

I am really thinking of doing gift cards this year for Christmas, not sure yet....

I always do some gift cards. There are a few people that I never know what to get but I know what their favorite stores or restaurants are. Like Tristen's godparents....I never know what to get them but I know they like to go to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings once in a while so I always get them a gift card to there.

I should have emptied his wallet into there Tam! You are giving me lots of good ideas!!!!

We always get a few gift cards. Marks family (adults) do a name swap and we never know what to buy them. Most are older and have everything.

Last year Marks cousin had my name and gave me a gift card and apologized for just picking up a gift card. I was thrilled. I'd rather have a gift card so I can shop the sales after Christmas.

Tam does have some GREAT ideas.

I got both of Cindy's presents now. The one I got today is perfect.

I try

Now here my ideas aren't as appreciated. I'll come up with something and DH will say, 'Where in the world would you have thought of doing such a thing, you're losing it?'.

James tells me that on a regular basis! I guess he thinks I am nuts sometimes!

I am nuts. I had several very blonde moments the other day..... Mark laughed at me all day because of them.

Well I am blonde so, yes I too have those on a regular basis!

I too fill stockings for all--but no one fills one for me----I guess I will have to make myself one and fill it!!!---souinds like a fun thing to me!!!!

(one excuse works as well as another after all.)

and tamara DOES have good ideas-----Tamara, we appreciate you!!!

Nooooo Not christmas, Not yet! I am so not a winter person. LOL
I am so into this nice weather I do not even want to thing of bad weather.
But I dont have any kids, and Not many friends, My husband And I do not buy things for each other, We spend enough all year on the house and all. LOL
I do miss stockings, they were my all time favorite. We used to do stockings, but Not anymore.
I always wanted to do a secret santa with just stockings.
Ugh Junie you need a stocking!

.....Ditchy, I think you are right---BUT first I quilt my youngest's Christmas tree skirt, then I should be in a good enough shape--I am going to make myself a stocking....
....perhaps everyone will feel guilty and help me fill it???---hey one can hope, right??/

and Kim, I dis-associate the cold weather and christmas.--In my mind one has nothing to do with the other. I too hate the cold, but I LOVE Christmas.

If not...fill it for yourself and make a comment on it and maybe they will all feel guilty and do it for you next year!

Jessica, I like the way you think----I just might try it!!! if only to see the look on their faces. :wink:

Hey Loz~and anyone else with gift cards you's better use them, asap! But think of the sales they will have!
Ann Taylor closing 1 17 stores nationwide
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Eddie Bauer to close more stores
Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.
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Cache closing stores
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Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine's closing 150 stores nationwide The owner of retailers Lane Bryant , Fashion Bug , Catherine's Plus Sizes will close about 150 under performing stores this year.
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Talbots, J. Jill closing stores
About a month ago, Talbot's announced that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the company says it will close another 22 under performing stores.. The 22 stores will be a mix of Talbots women's and J. Jill , another chain it owns.
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Gap Inc. closing 85 stores
In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic . The company said the closures - all planned for fiscal 2008 - will be weighted toward the Gap brand.
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Foot Locker to close 140 store
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Wickes is going out of business, Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores, Wickes, a 37-year-old retailer that targets middle-income customers, filed for bankruptcy protection last month.
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Goodbye Levitz / BOMBAY - closed already
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Zales, Piercing Pagoda closing stores
The owner of Zales and Piercing Pagoda previously said it plans to close 82 . Of the 105 locations planned for closure, 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores.
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Disney Store to close 98 stores
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Home Depot stores are closings in Atlanta and approx 55 nation wide
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CompUSA (CLOSED) clarifies details on store closings Any extended warranties purchased for products through CompUSA will be honored by a third-party provider, Assurant Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and rebates purchased prior to December 12 can be redeemed at any time during the final sale. For those who have a gadget currently in for service with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be returned to owners.

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Macy's - 9 stores
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Movie Gallery -
The video rental company plans to close 400 of 3,500 Movie Gallery
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Hollywood Video stores in addition to the 520 locations the video renta
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Pacific Sun wear - 153 stores
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Pep Boys - 33 stores
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Sprint Nextel - 125 retail locations on New Sprint Nextel
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J. C. Penney, Lowe's are scaling back
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Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close 12 of 300
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Wilsons Leather Experts - 158 stores closing nation wide
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Sharper Image:announced that 90 of its 184 stores are closing.
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Bombay Company: The company unveiled plans to close all 384 U.S.-based Bombay Company stores. The company's online storefront has discontinued operations.
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KB Toys posted a list of 356 stores that it is closing around the United States.To see the list of store closings, go to the KB Toys Information web site, and click on Press Information

some of these listed are already closed in the Dallas Fortworth area or are preparing to close, Get ready for the sales,,,,, !!!!!!!!!!

and did you know, according to us bankruptcy laws, holders of gift cards are considered creditors of unsecured debt and as such are not eligible to be paid until all secured (think mortgage holders) are paid?

It is sad to see all of this happening!

...I forgot to mention---my stockings are say 18 by (6 to 8) inch rectangles.
They are lined but they have draw strings and so are very easy to make.--I will not have much trouble I am sure.